Pilot Study to Assess the Ability of a 4-Week, Home-Based, Electrical Muscle Stimulation Program to Improve Lower...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Severe sarcopenia significantly impairs lower extremity function in older adults, particularly those with cancer.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a home-based self-rehabilitation program utilizing a portable electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device.
• To assess the impact of EMS on improving lower extremity function and mitigating severe sarcopenia in older cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week randomized controlled trial involving 50 older outpatients (mean age 75) with hepatobiliary cancer.
• Participants were grouped based on baseline lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score ≤ 9 or > 9).
• Home-based self-rehabilitation was performed using the SIXPAD Foot Fit EMS device for 15-23 minutes daily.

Main Results:

• Patients with a baseline SPPB score ≤ 9 showed significant improvements in overall lower extremity function (SPPB score 8.0-9.0, P=.001), balance (P=.009), and gait speed (P=.002).
• The proportion of patients with severe sarcopenia decreased from 66.7% to 36.4% (P=.002) in the lower-functioning group.
• No significant improvements were observed in the group with better baseline function (SPPB > 9).

Conclusions:

• Home-based self-rehabilitation with a portable EMS device can effectively improve lower extremity function in older cancer patients with reduced baseline function.
• This intervention demonstrates potential for attenuating sarcopenic status and enhancing mobility in this vulnerable population.